Stakeholders call for stronger action against bullying in Nigerian schools

Key stakeholders have called for urgent, coordinated action to address the growing incidence of bullying in Nigerian schools, warning that the trend poses serious risks to students’ safety, mental health, and overall development. The call was made in Abuja on Friday during a stakeholder consultative dialogue on anti-bullying in Nigerian schools organised by International Alert […]

Key stakeholders have called for urgent, coordinated action to address the growing incidence of bullying in Nigerian schools, warning that the trend poses serious risks to students’ safety, mental health, and overall development.

The call was made in Abuja on Friday during a stakeholder consultative dialogue on anti-bullying in Nigerian schools organised by International Alert Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of the organisation, Sunday Jimoh, who represented Country Director Dr Kingsley Udo, described bullying as a widespread societal problem that extends beyond schools.

“Bullying has become an increasingly alarming issue in recent times… our goal is to bring stakeholders together to chart a way forward—particularly in terms of policy actions that can effectively address bullying,” he said.

Jimoh noted that while Nigeria passed an anti-bullying law in 2025, implementation remains a major concern. He added that the dialogue would produce a communiqué and advocacy message to guide engagement with policymakers.

Citing intervention efforts, he explained that the organisation works with schools to establish youth peace clubs. “They are trained on the psychological effects of bullying and equipped with alternative dispute resolution skills,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Margaret Ebubedike, a Senior Research Fellow at The Open University, warned that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, especially with a rise in cyberbullying. “In the post-COVID era, we are witnessing a surge in online bullying… in some cases, children are resorting to self-harm,” she said.

Ebubedike added that bullying undermines mental health and academic engagement, stressing that “addressing bullying requires a collective effort” involving all stakeholders.

From a psychosocial perspective, Mrs. Henrietta HoldGod of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), representing its Chief Executive Mohammed Buba Marwa, linked bullying to substance abuse.

“Substance abuse among young people rarely begins in isolation… bullying is one such harmful experience that leaves deep emotional scars,” she said.

She warned that victims may resort to drugs as a coping mechanism, adding that “protecting children from bullying also means protecting them from pathways that may lead to drug abuse.”

Similarly, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, described bullying as a human rights issue.

“Bullying remains a serious threat to the safety, dignity, and development of individuals,” she said, noting that cyberbullying has expanded the scope of harm.

According to her, “it is not merely a behavioural issue but a violation of human rights,” urging schools, parents, and communities to enforce zero tolerance and strengthen reporting systems.

On security implications, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, warned that unresolved bullying could escalate.

“If left unaddressed, it can escalate into broader security challenges,” he said, calling for improved awareness and coordinated action among stakeholders.

Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Augustin Udo conveyed a message from Permanent Secretary Maryam Ismaila Kachinro, stressing government commitment to tackling the issue.

“Bullying is no longer a mere rite of passage… it has become a destructive force that undermines mental health and disrupts academic progress,” she said.

She referenced the National Policy on Anti-Bullying in Schools, adding that “our goal today must be to move beyond rhetoric—to strengthen reporting systems, enforce accountability, and foster empathy.”

In the same vein, Augustina Apakasa, representing the Federal Ministry of Education, said the ministry has developed a national anti-bullying policy and implementation guidelines.

“A dedicated committee has also been inaugurated to ensure effective rollout across schools nationwide,” she said, reaffirming the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders.